Search efforts aboard the capsized Costa Concordia are now realistically aimed at recovering bodies rather than rescuing survivors. 13 days after the disaster off the Italian coast, no one expects to find any of the 17 missing still alive.

16 bodies have so far been recovered from the wreck which is at the centre of an increasingly complex investigation.

The cruise line's CEO has admitted before Italy's Senate that captains were sometimes encouraged to sail close to the coast for publicity reasons.